Ipswich Town are closing in on the signing of FC Volendam goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen, with reports in the Netherlands claiming the Premier League newcomers have agreed a transfer fee for the highly-rated Dutch shot-stopper.
According to De Telegraaf, the Blues have reached an agreement with FC Volendam worth €4 million (£3.4 million) for the 22-year-old goalkeeper. If the move is completed, it will become the second-highest transfer sale in Volendam’s history, behind Micky van de Ven’s €8.5 million switch to Wolfsburg in 2021.
Although personal terms are still being finalised, the report suggests there are no major obstacles, and both parties remain confident of completing the transfer.
Van Oevelen has attracted interest from several clubs during the summer transfer window. Eredivisie side FC Twente previously monitored the goalkeeper, while Spanish outfit Valencia reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year contract. However, the La Liga club failed to meet Volendam’s asking price, opening the door for Ipswich Town to move into pole position.
The East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star report that Ipswich are not yet at the stage of arranging a medical, but negotiations continue to progress positively. Club officials remain optimistic that a deal can be completed in the coming days.
The Blues are also continuing their pursuit of Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu, despite recent reports that an opening bid for the Ghana international was rejected.
Van Oevelen enjoyed an impressive individual campaign despite FC Volendam’s relegation from the Eredivisie. He made 32 league appearances, keeping three clean sheets as the club finished in the relegation play-off position before losing to Willem II on penalties.
The towering 6ft 6in goalkeeper was one of the standout performers in the Dutch top flight, recording the highest save percentage (74.5%) and averaging 4.70 saves per 90 minutes, underlining his shot-stopping ability despite Volendam’s struggles.
Ipswich are keen to complete the signing before the squad departs for their pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, next week.
If the transfer is finalised, Van Oevelen will become Ipswich Town’s second summer signing, following the arrival of Brazilian striker Emersonn from Toulouse. He would also become the club’s second Dutch player, joining midfielder Azor Matusiwa as Gary O’Neil continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
With negotiations advancing and confidence growing on all sides, Ipswich Town appear to be edging closer to securing one of the Eredivisie’s most promising young goalkeepers.
